Have you ever experienced a feeling of giddy elation over finding the “perfect” (insert: piano, piece of office furniture, studio equipment, or teaching chair)?
It’s amazing how the physical things around us affect how we move and interact in our spaces.
When I first opened my studio I remember being on the hunt for MONTHS for the perfect piece of furniture to place next to the piano to help store all the items I liked to have within arms reach such as pens, stickers, teaching tools, etc.
The one I found (and still love after 9 years) is the Graphix Open Rolling File Cabinet, Graphite
I purchased it initially from Walmart.com for $79, but it has also been available in the past on Amazon for $65.
Unfortunately in both places, at the time of this post, it’s unavailable. (Sorry, I didn’t share this sooner!) I did some searching though, and currently, you can get it here:
HomeGoodsCenter.com ($126)
There are lots of options for this kind of thing out there, so here are a few things I love about mine you might consider as you search for YOUR perfect teaching table.
- It’s on wheels
- It has a nice size working surface (without being too big and bulky)
- It has a small drawer
Other things that are bonuses include:
- Space for hanging files
- Open space to place a drawer or sit items underneath
Take a Peak
Here’s how I’m using it in my studio currently.
Rather than keeping it next to the piano as I have for years, it now sits behind the grand piano. After I got a new desktop computer, I now use my old computer on it with a small monitor and keyboard.
At the end of each lesson, my student and I run through a quick verbal recap of what they’re going to be working on for the week while I quickly update each item in Tonara.
For some students especially, I think it’s been good for them actually see me entering their assignment into Tonara – it’s almost more solidifying.
In the bottom drawer of the cabinet, I keep technique manipulatives.
The space above it holds a portable drawer with other little teaching manipulatives and tools.
The file drawer houses things like stickers, scale charts, and staff paper.
Here’s a peek into past set-ups just for fun.
(This was when I had a keyboard next to my piano and I put this between.)
Sorry, it’s not a closeup, but I used to put a music stand behind the roller cabinet for papers and such for quite a while. It worked quite well for gaining extra space!
Do you have a favorite teaching table/cabinet you keep next to your piano? Share links in the comments so others can see!
In one of your photos, did I see what looks like a cardboard (or heavy paper) movable skeleton? That would be so helpful in showing students anatomy without freaking out the squeamish ones. If so, where did you get it?
Hi, Karen. Yes, you are correct, I have a moveable skeleton. It’s a paper cutout that’s attached at the joints with metal “fold-back” tabs (I’m not sure what they’re called). I’ve had it for years and am racking my brain trying to remember where I got it. I’m so sorry but I just cannot remember at the moment! If I happen to recall I will absolutely be sure and let you know.